The Rag Trade (1961 - 1963)

The Rag Trade is a British television sitcom transmitted by the BBC between 1961 and 1963.

The scripts were by Ronald Wolfe and Ronald Chesney, who later wrote Wild, Wild Women, a period variation of The Rag Trade'.

The action centred on a small clothing workshop (the title associates with the textile industry), Fenner Fashions in London. Although run by Harold Fenner (Peter Jones) and Reg the foreman (Reg Varney), the female workers are led by militant shop steward Paddy (Miriam Karlin), ever ready to strike, with the catchphrase "Everybody out!" Other cast members included Sheila Hancock (as Carole), Esma Reese Cannon (as Brother Lil), Wanda Ventham (as Shirley) and Barbara Windsor (as Judy).

The Rag Trade was revived by ITV company LWT in 1977, with Jones and Karlin reprising their roles. The 1977 version ran for two series and featured Anna Karen (reprising her role as Olive from On The Buses) and future EastEnders star Gillian Taylforth as factory workers.

The theme tune for the 1977 series was written and performed by Lynsey De Paul.